Saturday, August 13, 2016

'Slum tourism' spreads in Rio favelas during Olympic Games...

Tourists flocking to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games now have the option to stay in favelas. “Slum tourism”, as it was dubbed years ago, may have raised some ethical issues in Brazil but provides a welcome economic boost to poorer neighborhoods.

Dressed in T-shirts emblazoned with “France” and “Brasil,” four French tourists make their way past graffiti-splashed walls in the Babilonia favela overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

The four friends feel totally at home in this favela, where they each pay 20 euros per night for their stay in a tiny-yet-comfortable hostel catering to tourists. “It's a little small for four, but there's a bunk-bed on each side,” explains one with a grin.

Their brightly lit, freshly painted favela dwelling came as a bit of a surprise for the tourists. “We were expecting something more run-down, less colourful. This feels joyful,” said another. More + video...